Ethnic Groups -

Ethnic Groups

The Northwest is the cultural cradle of more than 20 ethnic groups, with a total population of around 82 million people, including the Mong, Thai, Muong, Tay, Dao, Kho Mu, Nung, Ha Nhi, Lao, Khang, Cong, Xi Mun, and other ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its own unique cultural identity, contributing to the diversity and appeal of the region. Ethnic minorities in the northern mountainous region make up 14.7% of the national population, with 56.2% of the population being ethnic minorities. They mostly live in rural areas, where their living standards are still relatively low compared to the national average.

Thai

The largest group with 718,424 people, accounting for 32% of the population in the region, primarily resides in the mountainous provinces of the Northwestern region such as Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa. They speak the Thai language, which belongs to the Tay-Thai language group, and have their own written script

Muong

The Muong ethnic group with a population of approximately 551,649 people, accounts for 24.8%. The Muong typically reside in valleys along streams, in traditional stilt houses that blend harmoniously with nature. Notably, they are renowned for the Mo Muong epic – a treasured body of oral literature that reflects the community’s spiritual life and worldview

H’mong

The H’mong ethnic group with a population of approximately 289,000, accounts for 13%. The H’mong people typically reside at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1500 meters above sea level, spread across most of the northern mountainous provinces in a relatively large area, along the Vietnam-China and Vietnam-Laos borders, from Lang Son to Nghe An

Dao

The Dao ethnic group with a population of approximately 68,791 people, accounts for 3%, primarily resides in provinces such as Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, and Tuyen Quang. The Dao people typically live in high mountainous areas, adapting to the rugged terrain, and their economy is primarily based on slash-and-burn agriculture

Kho Mu

The Kho Mu ethnic group is one of the long-established minority groups in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, with a population of approximately 24,845 people, accounting for 1.1%. The Kho Mu people typically live in small villages scattered across high mountainous areas, with traditional stilt houses made of bamboo and thatched roofs

Tay

The Tay ethnic group, with a population of approximately 22,713 people, accounts for 1%. Their traditional houses are typically stilt houses, half-stilt half-earth houses, or defensive houses, with stilt houses being the most common. Their traditional clothing is mainly made of black indigo fabric, with minimal patterns, reflecting simplicity and practicality in daily life

Xinh Mun

With a population of approximately 17,985 people, primarily resides in the districts of Yen Chau and Song Ma (Son La province) and some areas of Dien Bien province. They speak a language belonging to the Mon-Khmer group and often use Thai in communication. Their traditional houses are unique vaulted stilt houses, shaped like turtle shells

Nung

With a population of approximately 969 people, the Nung people speak a language belonging to the Tay-Thai group and have their own written script. They mainly live in mountainous regions, with distinctive customs and beliefs, including festivals and folk songs such as Sli and Soong Hao, reflecting the richness of their spiritual life

Ethnic Groups

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